30" or 50" table saw? - Woodworking Talk

David K · 03-21-2008, 03:50 PM

I'm ready to replace my Shopsmith with a cabinet table saw. My projects include cabinets, clocks, beds, and anything I'd rather make than buy for the house. I'm not a professional, but after 20 years, I've earned the right to a great saw.

I built a panel saw, and an 80-inch chop saw table. So am I right in thinking that I'll rarely need "50 in to the right of the saw"? Although I do have plenty of shop space, I still would get an extra 20 in of floor space with a 30" table.

Help me make a decision I won't regret.

sweensdv · 03-21-2008, 06:05 PM

Go for the 50". If you don't I guarantee you'll kick yourself for not doing it before the summer is over.

lucas.j.dunton · 03-21-2008, 06:24 PM

50" really gives you a lot of extra room to work with, setting stock on etc.....

**TexasTimbers** · 03-21-2008, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David K

. . . Although I do have plenty of shop space, I still would get an extra 20 in of floor space with a 30" table . . .

Okay, listen to what you just said:
1) I have plenty of floor space.
2) I am considering passing up a 50" top to get 20" of more . . . .FLOOR SPACE!

Quote:

Originally Posted by David K

Help me make a decision I won't regret.

Okay, listen to what I am gonna say:
1) You have plenty of floor space.
2) You're considering passing up a 50" top to get 20" of . . . .FLOOR SPACE!

Now quit looking at this silly thread and go get that big honking saw.

Joe C · 03-23-2008, 08:11 AM

Definitely go for the 50". I went with the 30" due to space and regret it.

daryl in nanoose · 03-23-2008, 09:37 AM

Don't even think about 30" when you have the floor space. Even with my 20 x 20 shop (that doubles as storage for my business) I made sure I had the room for mine.

bwhall · 03-23-2008, 10:56 AM

a buddy of mine had the same problem 2mos ogo agansit my urging he went with the 30" and he's already kicking himself

RJAngel · 03-24-2008, 12:45 PM

I wholly agree w/the others, go with a 50" model.

I'm working out of a 1 car garage and just bought a 50" myself.
Still deciding on how to re-organize everything, but, it'll be worth it.

Consider one with a mobile base or add one if you think that may help.

Ron

Mort Tenon · 03-24-2009, 12:06 PM

I just bought a new saw and even though I don't have much space, I got the fifty-two inch rail, because I knew if I didn't, I'd regret it. I have already found that 52 inches isn't enough...

knotscott · 03-24-2009, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David K

...I've earned the right to a great saw.

...I do have plenty of shop space.

You convinced me.....get the bigger capacity. Makes for an awesome assembly space, router table, etc.

da Yooper · 03-24-2009, 10:06 PM

I started with a 30" and then bought the extended rails for 50". I should have bought the saw with the extended rails initially. As the others have said, you wont regret it.

Nate1778 · 03-25-2009, 09:12 AM

50", as well, whats your price range, you looking new or used?

BobbyfromHouston · 03-27-2009, 11:45 PM

I think you should go with the 30". You will then be able to slap yourself everytime you need to make a 40" cut, which will be more than you think.

Of course go with the 52" or 50" you will never be sad about that. GO big or go home, baby.
Bobby

Gerry KIERNAN · 03-28-2009, 09:22 AM

If you have the space go for 50" you will never regret it. [unless you like slapping your self a lot]

Gerry